WHY WE METER THE FREEWAYS
Metering is a low cost way to improve traffic flow on freeways. The meter
allows traffic to enter the freeway at rate dependent on the conditions
of the freeway traffic. Motorists are often delayed at the meter, but freeway
speeds and overall travel times are improved.
Caltrans meters westbound SR-94 where it connects with SR-125. The graph on
the top shows the speeds and volumes recorded on Feb. 1, 1999 on westbound
SR-94 at Lemon Grove Ave. Notice that the speeds are uniform at approximately
60 miles per hour. That is typical for that location during the morning commute
period.

On February 2nd, 1999 the meter from westbound SR-94 at SR-125
was not functioning. The second graph shows the traffic volumes
and speeds for that morning. Without the meter functioning,
speeds slowed to below 30 miles per hour for 1.15 hrs.